The USDLA presented the International Distance Learning Awards to Stevens WebCampus and the other 2013 winners in conjunction with the 2013 National Conference in St. Louis, Mo. The awards are presented annually to organizations and individuals engaged in the development and delivery of distance learning programs. They acknowledge major accomplishments in distance learning and highlight those distance learning instructors, programs, and professionals who have achieved and demonstrated extraordinary results through the use of online, videoconferencing, satellite and blended learning delivery technologies.

The 21st Century Award for Best Practices in Distance Learning is given to an agency, institution or company that has shown outstanding leadership in the field of distance learning. It recognizes pioneering organizations in the field that have changed distance learning, as well as new organizations that have challenged existing practice by developing new and innovative solutions for distance learning instruction and employee distance learning training programs. Stevens WebCampus accepted the award in the higher education category.

“This is a big win for all of our faculty members and for the WebCampus Division,” said Robert Zotti, assistant dean of Stevens WebCampus. “Very few universities have been recognized by the USDLA as often as Stevens has. The fact that this is our fifth award is proof that we have achieved a high degree of excellence over a long period of time, and that we are highly regarded by experts in the distance education field. These efforts align very well with a key provision of the university’s new 10-year strategic plan, which calls for the establishment of a Digital Learning Laboratory. I expect WebCampus to play an important role in advancing this facility’s mission to enhance STEM learning at Stevens and elsewhere.”

"I am extremely proud of our WebCampus team for showing the academic community that Stevens is a leader in the field of distance education by winning the USDLA Award,” added Charles Suffel, dean of Graduate Academics at Stevens. "As the principal objective of an academic institution is to provide it's student body with the best possible education in all modes of delivery, it is essential that we excel in our distance learning efforts. And we do!"

Stevens WebCampus, a leader in Internet-based, instructor-led education, provides convenient online access to Stevens programs to mid-career professionals and other students from all over the world who desire greater flexibility in their coursework. Students benefit from the same faculty, course design and requirements as traditional Stevens students, but can attend live lectures, collaborate with other students, and participate in discussions from any off-site location. Stevens WebCampus offers 66 four-course graduate certificates, 19 master's degrees, and an MBA in Technology Management.

"As a premier organization for the entire distance learning profession, we are honoring Stevens WebCampus as a leader in the industry," said Dr. John G. Flores, Executive Director of USDLA. "Stevens WebCampus has raised the bar of excellence and we are truly honored by its contributions to the distance learning industry."

“Stevens WebCampus represents the finest examples of online courses, best practices and leadership in our field," said Dr. Rob Robinson, President of USDLA. “We are so very proud and excited to be able to recognize this level of excellence.”

About Stevens Institute of Technology

Stevens Institute of Technology, The Innovation University®, is a premier, private research university situated in Hoboken, N.J. overlooking the Manhattan skyline. Founded in 1870, technological innovation has been the hallmark and legacy of Stevens’ education and research programs for more than 140 years. Within the university’s three schools and one college, more than 6,100 undergraduate and graduate students collaborate with more than 350 faculty members in an interdisciplinary, student‐centric, entrepreneurial environment to advance the frontiers of science and leverage technology to confront global challenges. Stevens is home to three national research centers of excellence, as well as joint research programs focused on critical industries such as healthcare, energy, finance, defense and STEM education. The university is the fastest‐rising college in the U.S. News & World Report ranking of the best national universities, and it is consistently ranked among the nation’s elite for return on investment for students, career services programs, and mid‐career salaries of alumni. Stevens is in the midst of a 10‐year strategic plan, The Future. Ours to Create., designed to further extend the Stevens legacy to create a forward‐looking and far‐reaching institution with global impact.

About United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)

The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) is a 501(c) 3 non-profit association formed in 1987 and is located in Boston, Massachusetts. The association reaches 20,000 people globally with sponsors and members operating in and influencing 46% of the $913 billion dollar U.S. education and training market. USDLA promotes the development and application of distance learning for education and training and serves the needs of the distance learning community by providing advocacy, information, networking and opportunity. Distance learning and training constituencies served include pre-k-12 education, higher and continuing education, home schooling as well as business, corporate, military, government and telehealth markets. The USDLA trademarked logo is the recognized worldwide symbol of dedicated professionals committed to the distance learning industry.